Who We Are

Neil Dodgson is Professor of Computer Graphics (since 2016) and Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Research (since 2019). Prior to joining Victoria he was, for twenty years, co-leader of the Graphics & Interaction Research Group at the University of Cambridge.
His research is in 3D television (where he has designed and analysed displays that do not need the special glasses), modelling of three-dimensional shape (where his group reconciled the two different mechanisms used in the CAD and animation industries), and the intersection of art, design, aesthetics, computing, and psycho-physics (where he has developed tools for artists, analysed abstract art, and investigated how different languages have evolved in their understanding of colour).
He is a Fellow of Engineering New Zealand (FEngNZ), the Institution of Engineering and Technology (FIET), and the Institution for Mathematics and its Applications (FIMA). He is a Chartered Engineer in both New Zealand and the UK, and is a member of ACM SIGGRAPH, AsiaGraphics, and the Visual Effects Society.

Craig Hattle is an experienced Independent Board Chair and Professional Director with over twenty years of governance experience across various sectors, including agribusiness, health, engineering, technical services, consulting, and sustainability. Craig brings a strategic and facilitative approach to governance, focusing on long-term value creation and stakeholder engagement. He has successfully guided organizations through complex transitions, business growth strategies, and cultural change, with expertise in governance best practices, financial oversight, risk management, and innovative solutions.

In his current roles, Craig serves as the Independent Board Chair for Parininihi ki Waitotara Farms LP, Edison Consulting Engineers Group, CAREfirst Primary Care Group, and GC Group, among others. He leads strong value-adding boards that support business growth and sustainability. Craig’s diverse experience and commitment to fostering engaged, resilient teams will allow him to contribute to the governance group of the Applied Doctorate Scheme (ADS), for addressing skills gaps, improving the commercial translation of science, enhancing industry-academic engagement, and strengthening career opportunities for doctoral graduates.

Ngati Kahungunu, Kurakura Kai Tahu, Kati Mamoe, Waitaha, Hawea

CEO at Te Awanui Huka Pak, a 100% Māori owned company representing a large portfolio of kiwifruit and avocado orchards. Te Horipo also leads the Federation of Māori Authorities (FOMA) Innovation theme and is on the boards of several agricultural businesses. Te Horipo is based in the Bay of Plenty and offers nation-wide connections to the Māori economy.

Amelia Linzey is Group CEO of Beca, the engineering and design firm founded in Auckland in 1920. Employee-owned Beca is now a team of 4,000+ people, in 25 offices with projects in 70 countries. Amelia leads Beca’s global strategy and its culture of collaboration and sustainability. Previously she was Chief Planner and Group Director Advisory. Amelia’s focus is growing Beca’s impact in water management and energy transition and recognising indigenous world view in infrastructure delivery.  Beca is passionate about fostering a spirit of innovation to drive transformative and practical solutions for the future.

Mark Rocket  is a New Zealand entrepreneur, aerospace executive, and the founder and CEO of Kea Aerospace. He was a seed investor and co-director of Rocket Lab from 2007 to 2011. Rocket became the first New Zealander to reach space through a suborbital flight with Blue Origin on the New Shepard NS-32 mission in 2025.

Rocket founded two Internet companies in 1998 and sold one in 2006. He was a seed investor in Rocket Lab and served as a co-director from 2007 to 2011. In 2018, he founded Kea Aerospace, a company developing solar-powered stratospheric aircraft, and serves as its CEO. As of 2025, Rocket is the president of Aerospace New Zealand.

Professor Tracy Riley is Dean, Postgraduate Research at Massey University, and has worked as a leading specialist in gifted education teaching, research and advocacy in New Zealand for almost 3 decades. As Dean, Tracy has responsibilities for doctoral education, scholarships and ethics at Massey University. Tracy is an active member of the New Zealand Deans and Directors of Graduate Schools and Australian Council of Graduate Research. She is on the New Zealand Universities Women in Leadership Steering Group and Universities New Zealand Scholarships Committee.

Professor Diane Ruhiu is the Dean of the Graduate Research School at the University of Otago. Skilled in Māori economy, enterprise and values-based management, lecturing, higher education and research. Strong education professional with a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) focused in Māori economy and enterprise from University of Otago. Current research explores indigenous business curriculum, Māori and Indigenous models of economic development, and empowering Māori and Pacific graduate research programmes.